New York Jets: Development of Christian Hackenberg isn’t just physical

When looking at the future of the New York Jets quarterback position, don’t completely discount the prospects of Christian Hackenberg.

All throughout the offseason, the media began using the “T” word when talking about the New York Jets. On the surface, the moves by the team looked like a plot to get a top pick and land one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. Owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Maccagnan, and head coach Todd Bowles insisted the team wasn’t tanking, and no one gave them any credit.

Now, the team has more wins than anyone thought they would at this point in the season. In fact four wins was the highest win total most experts projected the Jets would have at the end of the season. The Jets are now sitting at 4-5. Now, Maccagnan has probably said something regarding Christian Hackenberg that will have a lot of people rolling their eyes yet again — but maybe we should believe him.

He recently did a sit down with reporters, and here’s what he had to say, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini:

"“I think (the preseason) was a good experience for Christian. I think we got an idea what he still needs to improve upon, like with any young player, but I wouldn’t say (I’m) discouraged.”"

He may not be discouraged by the pace of Hackenberg’s development, and he may not rush in the quarterback sweepstakes either. That may leave fans asking why, because Hackenberg hasn’t seen a regular season snap in two seasons. So, most fans think the coaching staff doesn’t believe in him, but there might be something more at work here.

More from New York Jets

• Aaron Rodgers offers perspective on the Jets offensive line
• By signing Dalvin Cook, New York Jets confirm they’re all-in
• What does Dalvin Cook bring to the New York Jets?
• Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson’s bond will lead to promising future
• New York Jets undrafted rookie receiver stealing someone’s job

Many people pointed out that Hackenberg needed to work on footwork and timing as a rookie. They worked on his mechanics, and during the preseason, it seemed like he had taken to that. The next phase of the work was more difficult, and probably more lengthy. That’s the mental aspect of the game.

The tough part would be from escaping what happened at Penn State. He was sacked over 100 times behind a terrible offensive line. Even if he’s a good quarterback, they may need to work out the psychological issue of taking all those hits. That may be the one thing holding him back. Now that the game is faster, he may hear invisible footsteps coming toward him. He may still be rushing throws to avoid sacks that aren’t coming.

In that same article, Cimini wrote that Hackenberg is “the biggest blemish on Maccagnan’s drafting record,” and that Maccagnan said:

"“I think there are areas he still needs to improve upon. I’m encouraged by the work he and Bryce (Petty) are putting in.”"

Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 11

Before completely discounting what he said, there may be hope for Hackenberg yet, even if he doesn’t play a snap this season. Don’t completely write off everything the Jets have to say, because so far, it’s been the truth.